5 Talking Points Heading Into The Third & Final Test

All or nothing.

The Lions return to Eden Park on Saturday for the third and Final Test. A famous win in Wellington means everything is now to play for, with a series up for grabs. Can the Lions make history? Here are the talking points.

Sticking to his guns.

Gatland has gone with the same matchday 23 that secured a famous win over the All Blacks in Wellington. Many expected Mako Vunipola to be replaced by Jack McGrath due to his indiscipline, but Gatland says his winning side deserves to be rewarded. A good idea or not? Only time will tell.

That break in Queenstown.

Much has been said about the Lions taking a break, instead of getting more training ground hours in. The All Blacks say they are happier training, but they haven’t played anywhere near as much rugby as the Lions in the last few months. Will the rest do them good, or will it switch them off?

Jordie Barrett starts.

A huge call by Steve Hansen to start the young fullback. He’s been hugely impressive in Super Rugby, but we all know Test rugby is a completely different animal. To be handed your debut in such a high profile game is a massive gamble.

Who will be handed the kicking tee for the All Blacks?

Jordie has been kicking for the Hurricanes all season ahead of his brother Beaduen, so the question is will he take over the responsibilities on Saturday? Beauden missed some vital kicks in Wellington, but could Jordie handle the pressure in the Test arena. Another massive call that has to be made by Hansen come Saturday.

Have the Lions got another win in them?

The Lions were helped massively by Sonny Bill Williams’ sending-off in Wellington and pretty much left everything they had out there, but still only scraped a win. They return to the fortress that is Eden Park on Saturday and the question is, doing they have it in them to beat the All Blacks again on Saturday? One things for sure, the All Blacks will be out for revenge.